Part 29
[_He looks at her quizzically._
I just _came_ out here.
HE (_hoping it isn't true_)
But you seemed to be trying to avoid me.
SHE (_with sphinx-like indifference_)
Why should I avoid you?
HE
Genevieve! You make it impossible for me to talk to you.... I'll apologise if it will help.
SHE
Why should you apologise?
HE
Perhaps I've misconstrued your meaning.
SHE
I didn't mean _anything_--
[_He smiles pleasantly with more hope than discretion._
--because I didn't do it.
HE
Now, Genevieve, I saw you do it.
SHE
You'll have to excuse me, Mr. Gordon, from further discussion.
[_She seats herself, fully prepared for all the discussion she can force from him._
HE
But, Genevieve--
[_He seats himself._
SHE
I didn't do it--and besides if I _did_ what difference does it make? I'm free white and twenty-one.
HE (_with a frail attempt at humor_)
How old did you say?
SHE
I said I was free white.
HE
But, Genevieve, you must admit that--
SHE
Mr. Gordon!
HE
_Please_ call me Henry. (_In his emotion he p.r.o.nounces it Hennery_)
SHE
I don't see why I should.
HE
You did last night.
SHE
That was different. You were Dr. Jekyll last night.
HE
Oh, Genevieve--
SHE
You're showing your true colors tonight.
HE (_appealingly_)
I'm--sorry--
SHE
You're a tyrant.
